Interview: Big Season for 2022 Texas RB Andrew Paul is Catching D-I Attention
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Ideally sized with speed and a hard-nosed approach to carrying the rock, Class of 2022 running back Andrew Paul burst onto the scene during the 2019 season. The 5-11, 205-pound, back forced opposing 6A Texas defenses to commit extra players in the box as he rolled for 883 yards off 182 totes with 11 scores while pulling in seven passes for 54 more yards last season. Now the Keller Central High School product is drawing national recruiting interest spanning the Big 12, Big Ten, and Pac-12.
With a big offseason of work ahead fine-tuning his skills, I caught up with one of the Lone Star State’s top rising prospects for insight on his breakout sophomore season.
Interview
Andrew, there are a lot of positives regarding your game we will go over today, but I want to start out with your toughness on the field. You take to heart the notion about breaking arm tackles and dragging defenders. What is your mentality coming out of the backfield with the ball in your hands?
“I’m physical; that’s the mentality. I like being physical, making them miss, and being tough.”
Looks like the Chargers line up in a pro-style I-formation set running traps and counters. Tell me more about the team’s offensive sets and how the coaches were getting the rock to you in 2019.
“This year we were run-heavy; we focused on that. Our counter play, I really like that. They do not see it coming. I like running downhill not side to side. We ran some stretches to get me in space and some iso- straight down hill in the A-gap, and counters.”
You toted the pigskin 182 times last season, going into the schedule did you know you would be relied upon so much within the offense?
“Yes. We were playing some hard-nosed teams, they were legit. They had nice defensive backs and safeties, so they had me run it downhill to loosen them up so we can get some passes off.”
With all the experience accumulated, how did your game improve during your sophomore season?
“During my offseason, I was working on my speed and quickness; that improved. My strength is good. My blocking, I’m always working on that. Playing 7v7 in the spring, that helped me work more on my overall game. I watch Le’Veon Bell (Jets) play. I like his patience. I like how he waits for the hole to develop and hits it hard.”
What was at least one challenge or difficulty you had on the field during last season?
“Some teams were putting seven in the box, and they were blitzing. I would have to make the safety miss or get a backside cut to break free. I had to be patient, they may miss the tackle and then it is game over.”
Will your role within the offense or on the team change at all during the 2020 run?
“I plan on playing special teams and on defense on critical moments.”
Which areas of your game are you working on this offseason?
“Speed and quickness; I am doing track this year. I am always working on speed; I am also running on the treadmill. I am working on my quickness because you have to make them miss.”
Going into recruiting, which schools are showing interest?
“Baylor, Utah, Minnesota, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma State are showing interest.”
Have you visited any programs?
“Last spring, I visited Texas Tech.”
How did the trip to Lubbock go?
“It went well. I like their facilities and I liked that everyone knows each other. I liked it there.”
Are you planning any trips coming up?
“This summer I am going to UGA (Georgia) camp and for a visit. My pops used to live there.”
Besides the Georgia camp, are there any other camps you may compete at this offseason?
“I am planning on going to an Ohio State camp and a Rivals camp too.”
Andrew, it was great getting time in with you today covering your game. Wishing you success with your workouts and at the upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Paul family; Andrew Paul at Texas Tech
Photo credit: Keller Central HS/Paul family; Andrew Paul in action (2019)